Description

NCD Low-Cost Universal Relay Controllers

Whether you are looking for wireless or USB relay control, NCD universal relay controllers feature a no-frills design that supports relay on, off, and relay status commands. NCD Universal relay controllers communicate any of our communications modules that operate at 9600 baud. This relay controller features 2-Channel 5-Amp or 10-Amp SPDT Relays with relay status LEDs. Power this controller using 12VDC from the 2.1mm barrel connector or the 2-wire terminal block.

Universal Interface

This Low-Cost relay controller features a modular communications interface supporting most of today’s most popular communication technologies. Choose your favorite technology now, change it later as your needs change.

Choose a USB interface for basic USB relay control using a virtual COM port communicating at 9600 baud.
Choose a Serial interface for RS-232 relay control operations at 9600 baud.
Choose a Bluetooth interface for Bluetooth relay control applications using the Virtual COM Port Driver stack.
Choose a ZigBee, 900HP-S3B, 802.15.4 interface for Wireless relay control. These options require an external that communicate to the USB port of your computer.

900HP-S3B Industrial Wireless Mesh

Long-Range Wireless Mesh networking is our favorite of all wireless communication technologies. This communication module will hop data from one location to another to reach its intended destination. Data hopping is a integrated feature of this communication technology, users do not need to do anything other than make sure wireless modules stay within hopping range of each other. We use the Digi 900HP-S3B module in our products, as this is the best the industry has to offer. With a 2 mile range between modules and up to 8 hops, it is possible to cover 16 miles of wireless territory using this technology. Using high-gain antennas, this module is capable of communicating to a remote module up to 28 miles away.

USB

Our USB interface module makes it easy to control our devices using the USB port. Simply plug into any available USB port and start controlling our devices using standard serial commands. NCD USB Interface modules feature genuine FTDI USB to Serial Converter Chips, the very best in the industry.

ZigBee® Wireless

ZigBee® wireless communications is a popular standard among our customers. The wireless protocol acts as a long-distance wireless serial port, allowing wireless operation with no modification to software.

10-Amp SPDT Relay Option

This controller is available with a 10-Amp relay option, allowing control of higher-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 10 Amps. Ideal for general purpose switching applications, this relays is focused on power-switching, and should never be used for low-power signals due to a higher On resistance of up to 150 Ohms when relay contacts are new (contact resistance drops to less than 1 Ohm after break-in period). The 10-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. All connections are made via screw terminals, capable of accepting up to 12 AWG wire.

5-Amp SPDT Relay Option

This controller is available with a 5-Amp relay option, allowing control of higher-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 5 Amps. Ideal for general purpose switching applications, this relays is focused on power-switching, and should never be used for low-power signals due to a higher On resistance of up to 150 Ohms when relay contacts are new (contact resistance drops to less than 1 Ohm after break-in period). The 5-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. All connections are made via screw terminals, capable of accepting up to 12 AWG wire.

Compatibility

802.15.4 Wireless Compatibility Notes

When using an 802.15.4 communication module, it is essential that you use the ZIGMO_PCB to configure the module settings.

900HP-S3B Wireless Compatibility Notes

When using an 900HP-S3B communication module, it is essential that you use the ZIGMO_PCB to configure the module settings. Long-Range wireless sensors may be programmed over the air without removing the communications module.

A 900HP-S3B Modem or a gateway of some kind that support the 900HP-S3B communications module will also be required.

RS-232 Serial Compatibility Notes

The NCD RS-232 Serial communications module is compatible with standard RS-232 signals (+/-10VDC), which are not directly compatible with UART signals from a microprocessor. If you are working with Arduino, Microchip PIC, or other common microcontroller, a communications module is not required. Microcontrollers will directly talk to the on-board processor of all NCD controllers.

USB Compatibility Notes

This device is compatible with USB communications, which will mount as a Virtual COM Port on your computer. All device functions will be accessed via the virtual com port using standard serial commands. The default baud rate is 115.2K Baud for most NCD devices. USB Drivers are included with most versions of Windows, but users of other operating systems may want to download the latest drivers directly from the FTDI web site.

ZigBee® Wireless Compatibility Notes

When using a ZigBee® communication module, it is essential that you use the ZIGMO_PCB to configure the module settings.

Mechanical Drawing

Documentation Downloads

Download NCD Base Station

Wiring Diagrams

Videos

802154 RANGE

A simple demonstration of the Wireless Range of 802.15.4 in the 300' and 1 Mile Range with and without obstacles.

A simple demonstration of the Wireless Range of 802.15.4 in the 300' and 1 Mile Range with and without obstacles.

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Wireless Range Testing Setup

This video tells you the set up that we used to get real world ranges on our wireless communication modules.

This video tells you the set up that we used to get real world ranges on our wireless communication modules.

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Finding the Com Port

Learn how to find the COM Port on your windows based computer.
You can also use Base Station to find the COM Port of your Relay Controller. Base Station can be downloaded at ncd.io/start.

Learn how to find the COM Port on your windows based computer.
You can also use Base Station to find the COM Port of your Relay Controller. Base Station can be downloaded at ncd.io/start.

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Introduction to Relay Control

This video will guide you in determining which relay controller you need for your application as well as a general overview of the differences between Relay Options.
If you're new to our products or just need a refresher for a new application this is a great place to start.

This video will guide you in determining which relay controller you need for your application as well as a general overview of the differences between Relay Options.
If you're new to our products or just need a refresher for a new application this is a great place to start.

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Induction Suppression

Learn about Induction and how it comes into play with Relay Controllers.
Induction suppression can make your Relay Control applications intermittent and unreliable. This video will show you what causes it, how to avoid it, and how to account for it in your application.

Learn about Induction and how it comes into play with Relay Controllers.
Induction suppression can make your Relay Control applications intermittent and unreliable. This video will show you what causes it, how to avoid it, and how to account for it in your application.

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Buy Now

This product qualifies for:

Forum Support (fastest)

Direct Email Support

Scheduled Phone Support

This item requires 2-3 business days for us to build and test. Larger orders may require additional time.

International 12 Volt 1.5 Amp Regulated Switcher Supply

International 12 Volt 1.5 Amp Regulated Switcher Supply

2.1mm 6' Wire Cable Assembly

2.1mm 6' Wire Cable Assembly

Do you need Induction Suppression Capacitors?Change

Induction Suppression Capacitors are essential for managing inductive loads such as Motors, Solenoids, and other Electronic Devices that implement a collapsible magnetic field. These capacitors will reduce the chances of Electromagnetic Interference with our controller and prolong the operational life of relays.

Induction Suppression Capacitor

Induction Suppression Capacitor

Do you need to Configure or Remotely Connect to this controller?Change

Use the USB Configuration Adapter if you want to change the settings inside the WiFi, Bluetooth, KFX Key Fob, and Wireless communication modules. You will need a Modem to talk to Wireless and RS-485 devices. You do not need any of these options if you have chosen a Ethernet, RS-232, or USB communications interface above.

Customize

We Customize Just for You!!!

NCD offers many custom IoT electronic design services to help tailor our product to your exact needs. Whether you are looking for custom firmware, circuit board modifications, metal enclosures, or industrial color printing, we can help you with a wide variety of design services.

Custom IoT Electronic Design Services Process

Most of our users purchase off-the-shelf hardware for initial testing. Once everything is working, they contact us to build a custom solution which may include specialized changes to the board, firmware, connectors, etc. Custom boards have many advantages such as reduced wiring, easy installation, small size, less power consumption, and in some cases, an overall reduction in product cost. Custom IoT Electronic Design Services will have your company name and logo on the board as well as the enclosure.

Customized IoT Electronics

NCD engineers can help build a customized solution for your particular application based on the designs you see on our website. We can combine devices onto a single board, change the shape, or even some of the components to meet your exact needs. We also provide turn-key metal enclosures with powder coating and full-color printing on the top side starting at just $500 for setup! We have more than 20 years of experience in electronics design and manufacturing. All of our products are designed and manufactured in the USA, so we are here to support the products we make. We only ask that our customers prototype their needs using our existing products before we customize.

Customization Guidelines

Custom designs should be based on our existing product because we can’t build rockets or electric cars over here!

We do not provide customization services if it involves the introduction of a new or untested technology.

Custom engineering fees depend on your requirements, so please contact us for a quote!

We maintain ownership of all designs, including our customized designs as they are based on our existing Design.

We will only ship the customized product to you or your authorized agents.

We have an NDA available if needed.

The turn-around time is about 2-3 weeks.

We specialize in low-volume designs, no quantity is too small!

We have the ability to scale to large volumes as needed.

Getting Started with Product Customization

All you have to do is contact us and we will walk you through the process from beginning to end, based on your individual needs. Some people are surprised at how fast we finish CAD design (usually a few hours), but keep in mind, we still have to build your design, which takes considerably more time. When we customize product, here are the general services we provide:

We design the circuit board.

We communicate with our customers throughout the customization and manufacturing process.

We manufacture surface mount stencils and circuit boards.

We program our pick and place machines to build your boards.

We build a working sample and run it through our wave solder machine.

We test your custom IoT solution.

Once the design is finalized it won’t be possible to make changes during production (changes cost money and require us to repeat the above processes)

Once it meets all your requirements, we will start production as needed.

We work with our metal fabricators to design a metal enclosure if required.

You work with our artist to print the top side of the enclosure in full color with your company logo if required.